From poetry nights, a movie under the night sky, and digging into a whole lot of biryani…

Happy Thursday, Abu Dhabi! The weekend is here and we’ve got you covered.

Whether it’s catching a movie under the stars with the family, go checking out a famous painting at the Louvre or getting in some shopping, there’s something new to do every night this weekend.

Here are 6 things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend.  

Thursday, February 21

1. Eat your way through a new Indian dinner deal

Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi is launching a new ‘Naan Stop Biryani’ night at their authentic Indian restaurant, Angar on February 21. Select your favourite three biryanis off the menu that include options such as Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani, Mughali Biryani Mutton, Kashmiri Sabzi Pulao and more. You will also get a selection of starters, a variety of condiments, free-flowing drinks and a traditional dessert to end your night.

Angar, Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, every Thursday, Dhs190 per person soft, Dhs250 per person for three- course meal and free flow grapes and hops. Tel: (02) 656 0600. yasisland.ae

2. Shop up a storm at a pop-up market

Take advantage of the cool weather and get some shopping done at Trends Bazaar, a cool pop-up market at Umm Al Emarat Park. The bazaar supports aspiring artists and enables them to showcase their talent, so you won’t find these items in your regular supermarkets. Expect to see handicrafts and embroidery items, organic natural products, perfumes and ready-made clothes too. Bring the little ones as well to enjoy an evening of colouring, pottery and there are loads of other activities too.

Umm Al Emarat Park, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, 3pm onwards, Thursday, February 21 to February 22. Tel: (02) 666 9559. ummalemaratpark.ae

Friday, February 22

3. Watch a movie under the stars

Catch a movie with the family under the beautiful night sky at Yas Waterworld. The waterpark is holding a superhero edition and will be screening Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice this Friday. Sit back and relax in beach chairs or inflatable tubes as you enjoy the action on the outdoor screen at the Amwaj Wave Pool. The superhero edition runs until March 8 and the timings and movies change every weekend, so check their movie schedules and plan ahead.

Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, 5pm onward (month of February), Friday, February 22, Dhs55 per person for a movie ticket, under 3s free. Tel: (600) 511115. yaswaterworld.com

4. Showcase your poetry at an open mic night

Rooftop Rhythms is the longest-running poetry open mic night in the Middle East, where aspiring poets read their own material and showcase their talents in front of a supportive community. The event will be hosted at the Marketplace area outside The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi every Friday until April 19. This weekends edition will be hosted by Salem Al Attas, and will feature the smooth sounds of Jaysus Zain. Tickets to Rooftop Rhythms are free of charge, but reserve online here

NYUAD Arts Center, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 8pm onwards, Friday, February 22,  free to enter but boo your seats online. Tel: (02) 628 4000. nyuad-artscenter.org

Saturday, February 23

5. See a rare Rembrandt oil painting

Head to the Louvre Abu Dhabi to see a rare masterpiece painted by the late Rembrandt van Rijn. The painting, ‘Head of a young man, with clasped hands: Study of the figure of Christ from around 1648 – 1656’ is a part of the Louvre’s permanent collection, but there are 16 other remarkable paintings done by the artist, as well as other rare pieces by Johannes Vermeer, Jan Lievens and Carel Fabritius that are on exhibit only until May.

Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Wed 10am to 8pm, Thur and Fri 10am to 10pm, Mon closed, Dhs63, under-12s free. Tel: (600) 565 566. louvreabudhabi.ae 

6. Check out an Emirati artist

Abdul Qader Al Rais is one of the most influential artists in the Emirati art world whose work spans from the late 1960s till date. The exhibition, Abdul Qader Al Rais: 50 Years of Art at the Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi is a celebration of the artist’s masterpieces, some of which have never been seen before. The artist is known for his symbolic paintings and his most recent series of calligraphic concepts and the exhibition is said to be a must-see for those looking to experience the artist’s personal journey and artistic growth over the decades.

Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 8pm, daily, free entry. Tel: (02) 6575 800. manaratalsaadiyat.ae

Images: Supplied